Cherry Almond Chicken Salad

BY

February 21, 2026

Cherry Almond Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with sweet dried cherries and crunchy toasted almonds. The creamy dressing adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness. Every bite delivers texture and flavor that feels fresh and satisfying. This easy recipe works for lunches, light dinners, brunch spreads, or weekly meal prep.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and savory balance
  • Crunchy almond texture
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Ready in 15 minutes
  • Great for sandwiches or wraps

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • ยฝ cup dried cherries
  • ยฝ cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • ยฝ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ยผ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ยฝ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper

Swap mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt for a lighter option.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add chicken, dried cherries, almonds, celery, and red onion to a large bowl.
  2. Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
  3. Pour dressing over the chicken mixture.
  4. Fold gently until evenly coated.
  5. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
  6. Serve Cherry Almond Chicken Salad cold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on croissants, sandwich bread, or butter lettuce cups. Spoon over mixed greens for a lighter option. Sprinkle extra almonds on top for added crunch.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Add diced apples for extra freshness.
  • Stir in a pinch of poppy seeds for subtle texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cherry Almond Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries release moisture. Dried cherries work best for texture.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes. Serve in lettuce wraps or over greens to keep it gluten free.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended because the dressing may separate.

Cherry Almond Chicken Salad delivers sweet cherries, crunchy almonds, and creamy dressing in a simple, satisfying dish. This quick recipe makes lunch feel fresh and flavorful without extra effort.

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Cherry Almond Chicken Salad


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Cherry Almond Chicken Salad is a sweet and savory lunch recipe with dried cherries and crunchy almonds.


Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded

1/2 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup sliced almonds toasted

1/2 cup celery chopped

1/4 cup red onion diced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Add chicken cherries almonds celery and onion to bowl

2. Whisk mayonnaise yogurt lemon juice honey salt and pepper

3. Pour dressing over mixture

4. Fold gently until coated

5. Chill 30 minutes

6. Serve cold

Notes

Use toasted almonds for best flavor

Store up to 3 days

Do not freeze

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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